Late Summer and a Little Surprise

Are you like me and have mixed emotions about the summer season coming to an end?

In the South the autumn season puts on quite a show as cooling temperatures usher in a turning of leaves that is absolutely beautiful; I just wish winter didn't follow so close behind.

We've been getting a little more rain here lately with a few quick shower here and there, but I'm still having to water every other day or so.  I do believe the azalea bushes are suffering the most; they have such a shallow root system and the leaves begin to droop if I'm not consistent in giving them a drink.

Though it's late summer and much in the garden has faded there is still beauty to enjoy, like the sweet autumn clematis growing on a trellis at the back of the garage.

The trellis is covered with dainty white flowers.
Clematis continually grows and sends out tendril like leaves in search of a structure to grow on.  The Mister and I talk about adding a trellis structure that would allow the clematis to grow up both sides and over the top of the double doors on the back of the garage, but that's way down on our to-do list.

This is Clematis Henryi; a white beauty a with deep purplish red center growing on the side of the garage.  When it first opens there is a hint of pink and green on the petals.

Purple clematis is growing on the fence leading out of the courtyard.

Due to the hot, dry and long days of full sun, this clematis is struggling.

You may remember me sharing about THE BULLY?

I've added eight hummingbird feeders on the back deck and it's working like a charm.

We have so many hummingbirds now!

I had to get creative when looking to add more hummingbird feeders on the deck.  Short shepherd hooks were placed in flower pots and urns on the deck so the feeders would have a place to hang, like this one in a pot filled with yellow lantana.  

This red geranium was in one of the urns on the front porch but it wasn't getting enough sun so I moved one here and another one in a container at the side of the house where they now get plenty of sun.

The rising sun glows.





At the back of the courtyard is a small pond with a rocking wrought iron chair and a glider just at the edge; a peaceful place to relax and listen to the sound of the water fountain while feeding and watching the fish.

In the courtyard at the stairs leading to the screened porch is a filigree door mat with moss and volunteer impatiens growing up through it.

I love surprise free flowers; volunteers are the best!

Knock Out roses are beautiful at every stage, from bud to full bloom.

Summer dazzlers, the rudbeckia are troopers!

I love surprises!

It's late summer and surprisingly the spring blooming purple lily magnolia has a few new flowers.

So how is your garden faring during these late days of summer?

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Are you ready for autumn?

You are sure to enjoy the upcoming fall tour of homes as 28 wonderful bloggers welcome you into their homes...it's just around the corner!

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